Gita Gourd Drum - 12" with leather, cowrie shells, and hand carvings - from Ghana, West Africa

The gita (GHEE-tuh) is a made of half of a thick calabash gourd with cowrie shell pairs attached around the open rim. It can be played like a drum, producing a variety of percussive sounds (especially when played with rings, small sticks, open hands, and fists), or it can be gyrated in two hands causing the shells to hit against the gourd in rhythm as an African dance accessory. Handcrafted in northern Ghana, West Africa, this Gita will add a special authenticity to any world drumming ensemble. We have two styles of Africa Heartwood Project Gita drums available on marketplace from World Percussion USA. This one, from Ghana, features a variety of geometric designs carved into the bowl, along with red or green dye, allowing the carvings to stand out from the dyed background, according to the pleasure of the artist. (World Percussion USA is the ONLY authorized seller of Africa Heartwood Project instruments on this marketplace. All other sellers claiming above to also sell this item as described are not honest sellers, so proceed with caution.)

• 12" average outside diameter of the bowl at the open edge
• Red or green dye applied to the outside, then handcarved with geometric designs to add artistic value
• Hand crafted leather work adorns the top rim, with cowrie shells lining the top of the gourd
• Hand crafted in Africa by village cultural artisans supported by the non-profit Africa Heartwood Project
• Play as an African dance accessory, upside down as a drum, or use as a decorative bowl